Android Version & Security Patch Roadmap
iMin's policy for Android major version upgrades and security patch support across all GMS-edition devices — for channel partners and end customers.
Android Major Version Upgrade Roadmap
SoC-based upgrade ceilings, device roadmap status, and custom upgrade options
1.1 Android Major Version Upgrade Policy
The “back-to-back” principle
Whether an iMin device can be upgraded to a particular Android major version depends on whether the SoC vendor provides support for that version (the “back-to-back” principle). The table below shows the upgradeable versions based on the SoC vendor’s published roadmap, with current status noted (Released / In Development / Planned). SoC vendor support only means the upgrade foundation exists — iMin determines actual adaptation progress based on each product's annual iteration cycle.
Custom upgrade requests
If you require a version not yet in iMin's supported range, you can submit an upgrade request. This is handled as a custom project and requires payment of the corresponding R&D adaptation and testing fees.
Back-to-back ceiling example
If the SoC vendor's roadmap does not support a particular Android version, iMin devices using that SoC also cannot be upgraded to that version. For example, the Swan 2 series (A527H) can upgrade only to Android 16 — further versions are unavailable because the SoC vendor's roadmap stops at that point. Please contact iMin for special requirements.
Independent services
Android major version upgrades and security patch services are two independent services. After purchasing an upgrade, the existing security patch service remains in effect, with the start date adjusted to the new Android version.
Roadmap update mechanism
This Roadmap is reviewed and updated annually in Q1 by the iMin Product Committee and published on the iMin website. If major changes occur in SoC vendor planning, iMin will update this document within 30 days.
1.2 Device Android Version Roadmap Overview
| Product Family | SPU | SoC | Model | Now supported Android versions by iMin | Upgradeable version (SoC manufacturer plan, not iMin plan) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Devices | |||||
| Swift 1 Pro | Swift 1 Pro | MT8788 (MediaTek) | I23M03 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (In Development) |
| Swift 2 | Swift 2 | MT8766 (MediaTek) | I23M01 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (In Development) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) |
| Swift 2 Pro | Swift 2 Pro | MT8788 (MediaTek) | I23M02 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (In Development) |
| Lark 1 | Lark 1 | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24P01 | Android 13 Android 15 | 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) |
| Falcon 2 | Falcon 2 (WiFi-only) | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24T01 | Android 13 Android 15 | 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) |
| Falcon 2 (WiFi+LTE) | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24T02 | Android 13 | 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) | |
| Falcon 2 Max | Falcon 2 Max | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24T03 | Android 13 | 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) |
| Swan 1 Pro | Swan 1 Pro | G700 (MediaTek) | I23D02 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) 2029 Android 19 (Planned) |
| Swan 2 | Swan 2 | A527H (Allwinner) | I24D02 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 16 (Released) |
| Swan 2 (Printer) | A527H (Allwinner) | I24D03 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 16 (Released) | |
| Crane 1 | Crane 1 16" | G700 (MediaTek) | I23I01 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) 2029 Android 19 (Planned) |
| Crane 1 21.5" | G700 (MediaTek) | I23I02 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) 2029 Android 19 (Planned) | |
| Crane 1 27" | G700 (MediaTek) | I23I03 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) 2029 Android 19 (Planned) | |
| Crane 1 32" | G700 (MediaTek) | I23I04 | Android 13 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (Released) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) 2029 Android 19 (Planned) | |
| Roc 1 | Roc 1 | QCS5430 (Qualcomm) | I25M01 | Android 14 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (Planned) 2026 Android 17 (TBD) 2027 Android 18 (TBD) 2028 Android 19 (TBD) 2029 Android 20 (TBD) |
| Roc 1 Max | Roc 1 Max | QCS5430 (Qualcomm) | I25M02 | Android 14 | 2025 Android 15 (Released) 2026 Android 16 (Planned) 2026 Android 17 (TBD) 2027 Android 18 (TBD) 2028 Android 19 (TBD) 2029 Android 20 (TBD) |
| Falcon 1 Pro | Falcon 1 Pro | A733 (Allwinner) | I25T01 | Android 15 | 2025 Android 16 (Released) 2026 Android 17 (Planned) 2027 Android 18 (Planned) |
| Swan 2 Pro | Swan 2 Pro | A733 (Allwinner) | I25D01 | Android 15 | 2025 Android 16 (Released) 2026 Android 17 (Planned) 2027 Android 18 (Planned) |
| Swan 2 Pro (Printer) | A733 (Allwinner) | I25D02 | Android 15 | 2025 Android 16 (Released) 2026 Android 17 (Planned) 2027 Android 18 (Planned) | |
| Swan 3 | Swan 3 | A733 (Allwinner) | I25D03 | Android 15 | 2025 Android 16 (Released) 2026 Android 17 (Planned) 2027 Android 18 (Planned) |
| Swan 3 Pro | Swan 3 Pro | G720 (MediaTek) | I25D04 | Android 15 | 2026 Android 16 (Planned) 2027 Android 17 (Planned) 2028 Android 18 (Planned) 2029 Android 19 (Planned) 2030 Android 20 (Planned) 2031 Android 21 (Planned) |
| Heron 1 mini | Heron 1 mini | A733 (Allwinner) | I25S01 | Android 15 | 2025 Android 16 (Released) 2026 Android 17 (Planned) 2027 Android 18 (Planned) |
| Heron 1 | Heron 1 | A733 (Allwinner) | I25S02 | Android 15 | 2025 Android 16 (Released) 2026 Android 17 (Planned) 2027 Android 18 (Planned) |
Security Patch Roadmap
Two-phase coverage, key terms, lifecycle policies, and device EOSP reference
2.1 Security Patch Service Overview
Enterprise device usage cycles are typically 5–7 years, while Google's official security patch support for each Android version is approximately 3–3.5 years. iMin Extended Support covers this gap, ensuring continuous security compliance throughout the device's full usage lifecycle.
From device shipment until the date Google officially ends security patch support for that Android version. Delivered quarterly via OTA within 30 days of each AOSP code merge.
After Google official support ends, up to 3 additional years of Critical & High CVE assessment and patching. Available in 1-, 2-, or 3-year plans up to EOSP (FPE + 3 years).
How patches are released
Google publishes the Android Security Bulletin (ASB) on the first Monday of each month. iMin follows the AOSP quarterly release cadence (March, June, September, December) and delivers patches to devices via OTA within 30 days of each quarterly code merge.
Compliance requirements beyond 6 years
The standard "Free Patch Phase + 3-year Extended Support" combination covers approximately 5–6 years. For longer requirements: ① choose models with longer SoC paths (G720, MT8781, A733); ② plan mid-lifecycle device migration; ③ large-order customers can discuss special agreements with the iMin commercial team.
2.2 Key Terms and Definitions
| Term | Full Name | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Free Patch End Date | Free Patch End (FPE) | The last day of the free patch phase. Aligned with Google's officially published "Date of termination of security backport support." After this date, iMin no longer provides free security patches for that Android version. |
| Paid Patch End Date | Extended Support End | The maximum end date of the paid patch phase, equal to Free Patch End + 3 years. Customers must purchase Extended Support to receive patches during this phase, in 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year plans. |
| EOL (Sales End Date) | End of Life | The date iMin stops accepting new orders for that device model. After EOL, iMin continues to support already-shipped devices per this policy but no longer accepts new orders. |
| EOSP (Security Patch End Date) | End of Security Patch (Support) | The security patch end date for that Android version on that device model. Formula: EOSP = Free Patch End (FPE) + 3 years. EOSP is anchored to Google's official timeline and applies uniformly to all devices on that Android version. |
2.3 EOL and EOL Sunset Window
Since EOSP is anchored to the Android version, purchasing closer to EOSP means a shorter available compliance period. iMin protects customer interests with the following policies:
| Milestone | Policy | Customer Disclosure |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months before EOL | EOL plan published after internal review | EOL announcement published on iMin website |
| 6 months before EOL Sunset start | New orders enter Sunset Window (restricted) | Written notification of EOL date, EOSP date, and remaining service duration |
| 3 months before EOL | Generally only accepts add-on orders from existing customers | EOSP date and remaining service duration stated in contract |
| EOL (day of) | All new orders halted | — |
| After EOL | Already-shipped devices continue receiving patch service until EOSP | — |
2.4 EOSP and Usage Period Examples
Using Android 15 devices as an example (Free Patch End: 2028-02-29, EOSP = 2031-02-28):
| Purchase Scenario | Ship Date | EOSP (Unified) | Actual Compliance Period | Recommended Extended Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early shipment (2026-Q1) | 2026-03 | 2031-02-28 | ~5 years (~2 years free + 3 years paid) | 3-year plan (full coverage) |
| Mid-cycle shipment (2028-Q1) | 2028-03 | 2031-02-28 | ~3 years (starts right after FPE) | 3-year plan (full coverage) |
| Pre-EOL shipment (2030-Q1) | 2030-03 | 2031-02-28 | ~1 year | 1-year plan (as needed) |
| Sunset Window (EOL = 2030-09) | 2030-08 | 2031-02-28 | ~0.5 years (with approval + written disclosure) | Not Recommended |
- EOSP is a fixed date anchored by Google's official timeline, consistent across all devices on the same Android version.
- Actual usage period = EOSP − Ship Date. The earlier you purchase, the longer the actual usage period.
- Android 13 devices: iMin provides 3 years of completely free extended security patches (2026-01-31 to 2029-01-31). No purchase or action required.
- Ship date, EOSP, and remaining usage period for your devices can be queried in iMinkit or by contacting iMin Customer Success.
2.5 Extended Support Service Terms
Extended Support is an optional paid service. Key parameters — contact iMin Customer Success for current pricing and quotes.
iMin will use commercially reasonable efforts to patch Critical and High severity CVEs, but cannot guarantee that all CVEs will be fixed (some vulnerabilities may not be back-portable due to older Android architecture limitations).
What's not included
Both Standard Support and Extended Support cover AOSP-layer vulnerabilities from the Android Security Bulletin only.
Android major version upgrades
e.g. Android 14 → Android 15; see Chapter 1.
Google Mobile Services (GMS) updates
Distributed directly by Google via Play Store; outside iMin's control.
Functional bug fixes
Security CVEs only — not feature bugs.
Hardware warranty, repair, or replacement
Governed by separate hardware warranty terms.
SoC vendor BSP-layer patches
Best-effort basis, subject to SoC vendor availability.
Third-party app compatibility
Customers are responsible for verifying app compatibility with new patch versions.
2.6 Devices with Limited SoC Upgrade Paths
Some models use SoCs (such as A527H, QCS5430) with short or no Android major version upgrade paths. iMin's patch commitment remains valid regardless of SoC upgrade ceiling.
Within SoC vendor support scope
iMin provides complete free and paid patch phases. Even with a short SoC path, the standard 3+3 year compliance period remains valid.
Beyond SoC vendor support
For already-shipped devices, iMin continues Critical and High CVE security patches until the Android version's EOSP date.
Long-term projects (>6 years)
Recommend confirming long-term feasibility with iMin before procurement. Prioritize platforms with longer SoC roadmaps (G720, MT8781, A733) that support multiple Android major version upgrades.
Mid-cycle migration
iMin can help plan upgrade paths (e.g., Swan 2 → Swan 2 Pro / Swan 3, from A527H to A733) 12 months before EOL, reducing re-certification and app adaptation effort.
2.7 Google Official Security Patch End Date Reference
Based on Google's published "Date of termination of security backport support." EOSP = Free Patch End Date + 3 years.
| Android Version | Free Patch End Date (Google) | EOSP (max coverage) | iMin Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 | iMin provides +3 years free (2026-01-31 to 2029-01-31) — no purchase needed Free |
| Android 14 | 2027-03-31 | 2030-03-31 | With Extended Support, paid patch phase extends up to 2030-03-31 |
| Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 | With Extended Support, paid patch phase extends up to 2031-02-28 |
| Android 16 | 2028-11-30 | 2031-11-30 | With Extended Support, paid patch phase extends up to 2031-11-30 |
2.8 Device Security Patch Roadmap Overview
Free Patch End Date = the last day of the free patch phase for that Android version.
Paid Patch End Date (EOSP) = Free Patch End Date + 3 years; Extended Support available in 1-, 2-, or 3-year plans.
Android 13 note: iMin provides 3 years of completely free extended security patches (2026-01-31 to 2029-01-31) — no action or purchase required.
| Product Family | SPU | SoC | Model | Android | Free Patch End Date | Paid Patch End Date (EOSP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Devices | ||||||
| Swift 1 Pro | Swift 1 Pro | MT8788 (MediaTek) | I23M03 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Swift 2 | Swift 2 | MT8766 (MediaTek) | I23M01 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Swift 2 Pro | Swift 2 Pro | MT8788 (MediaTek) | I23M02 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Lark 1 | Lark 1 | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24P01 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Lark 1 | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24P01 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 | |
| Falcon 2 | Falcon 2 (WiFi-only) | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24T01 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Falcon 2 (WiFi-only) | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24T01 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 | |
| Falcon 2 (WiFi+LTE) | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24T02 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 | |
| Falcon 2 Max | Falcon 2 Max | MT8781 (MediaTek) | I24T03 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Swan 1 Pro | Swan 1 Pro | G700 (MediaTek) | I23D02 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Swan 2 | Swan 2 | A527H (Allwinner) | I24D02 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Swan 2 (Printer) | A527H (Allwinner) | I24D03 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 | |
| Crane 1 | Crane 1 16" | G700 (MediaTek) | I23I01 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 |
| Crane 1 21.5" | G700 (MediaTek) | I23I02 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 | |
| Crane 1 27" | G700 (MediaTek) | I23I03 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 | |
| Crane 1 32" | G700 (MediaTek) | I23I04 | Android 13 | 2026-01-31 | 2029-01-31 | |
| Roc 1 | Roc 1 | QCS5430 (Qualcomm) | I25M01 | Android 14 | 2027-03-31 | 2030-03-31 |
| Roc 1 Max | Roc 1 Max | QCS5430 (Qualcomm) | I25M02 | Android 14 | 2027-03-31 | 2030-03-31 |
| Falcon 1 Pro | Falcon 1 Pro | A733 (Allwinner) | I25T01 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 |
| Swan 2 Pro | Swan 2 Pro | A733 (Allwinner) | I25D01 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 |
| Swan 2 Pro (Printer) | A733 (Allwinner) | I25D02 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 | |
| Swan 3 | Swan 3 | A733 (Allwinner) | I25D03 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 |
| Swan 3 Pro | Swan 3 Pro | G720 (MediaTek) | I25D04 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 |
| Heron 1 mini | Heron 1 mini | A733 (Allwinner) | I25S01 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 |
| Heron 1 | Heron 1 | A733 (Allwinner) | I25S02 | Android 15 | 2028-02-29 | 2031-02-28 |